Animatronics Design BSc (Hons)

Do you want to gain skills and knowledge in puppetry, anatomy and mechatronics? With our two year fast-track BSc Animatronics Design degree, you’ll be designing, building and creating realistic and lifelike props and objects, that bring stories to life.Using state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll specialise your skills and knowledge in animatronics design and fabrication.

Why study this subject?

Do you want a career which could take you all over the world? Working towards your career aspirations, you could take on several roles across the globe in key areas such as; animatronics, elements involving mechanical or electronic engineering, animation, model-making, sculpture, product/ industrial design, and manufacturing.

This course could help you get your dream job as being part of the team that work endlessly behind-the-scenes in the film, TV and performance industries to solve problems and bring stories to life.

Why study at BNU?

With a history of delivering expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.

As part of the Art, Design and Performance School at BNU, you’ll benefit from a practiced-based course, supported by contextual studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to work collaboratively across the School with other courses, ensuring during your studies you are building a varied network, like you would in the real world.

Led by a dedicated and experienced course team, you’ll benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Many of our guest lecturers are specialists based at various studios all over the country. The University also has a teaching base at the iconic Pinewood Studios, which means there could be opportunities to engage with the community there.

With London on our doorstep, you’ll be near the world’s best cultural centres, such as theatres, museums and galleries, where you can find a range of inspiration.

What facilities can I use?

Our industry standard facilities are here to help you produce your most creative ideas. We will build your confidence in using the latest postproduction software.

Our other specialist resources including;

  • CNC and laser cutter technology
  • highly equipped engineering & modelmaking workshops
  • 3D design studios
  • computer suites
  • electronics/ control and plastic fabrication labs
  • prosthetics lab
  • 3D printing technology.

At every step you’ll be supported by a dedicated team of technicians who will provide you with advice, technical assistance and support to realise your assignment briefs and final project. As well as this as a BNU student you’ll have automatic access to our library and Students’ Union.

What will I learn?

The BSc (Hons) Animatronics Design course enables you to focus your studies towards the design and fabrication of animatronics models using engineering technology.

This taught practical-based course is industry-focused and will provide opportunities for you to engage with a broad range of skills and techniques required within animatronics production for special effects film and TV and associated creative industries.

All modules are designed to develop the practical, theoretical/ critical approaches applied to individual specialism, and will facilitate the design, prototyping and production of polished functional animatronics models for inclusion to an essential portfolio of work.

The course embraces new and emerging techniques and technologies, maintaining currency and diversity through well-established links and communications with the creative industry.

How will I be taught and assessed?

Taught by industry-professionals, you’ll benefit by learning from lecturers with real sector experience and an insight into working-life. You could also benefit from access to our network of guest speakers, industry experts and successful alumni.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, from studio projects and workshop and media outcomes to group and individual case studies and written assignments.

BSc (Hons) Award
September Start
Full-time Study Mode
2 years Duration
AN01 UCAS Code

Entry Requirements For This Course

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 85 - 105

Applicant must have A levels in a relevant subject such as Maths, Physics, Computer Science or Design Technology is required. Alternatively, a BTEC National Diploma qualification in relevant subject.  

In addition, applicants will need to have a suitably appropriate portfolio of work in areas such as, Animation, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Model-making, Sculpture/Model Making, Engineering Product Design, and Manufacturing Design.  

However, as part of the selection process, all applicants are required to attend an interview to demonstrate their strengths in addition to any formal entry requirements.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Location of Buckinghamshire New University